Temple Square Renovation Reaches Milestone with South Tower Crane Removal

Art-glass windows depicting Christ's life installed, Easter displays adorn Temple Square

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:52am

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reached a major milestone in the renovation of Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The south tower crane has been dismantled, and all scaffolding has been removed from the exterior of the Salt Lake Temple. Additionally, art-glass windows depicting scenes from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ have been installed in the north entrance buildings, and Easter displays have been set up around Temple Square.

Why it matters

The removal of the tower crane and scaffolding marks significant progress in the temple renovation project, which began in 2020. The installation of the art-glass windows and Easter displays also highlight the spiritual significance of Temple Square and the Church's focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ during this holy season.

The details

The south tower crane, which had stood beside the temple for 5.5 years, was dismantled this week, following the removal of the north tower crane last October. Crews used two additional cranes to carefully dismantle the tower crane. The scaffolding that previously surrounded the Salt Lake Temple has also been entirely removed, another visible milestone in the renovation project.

  • The south tower crane was dismantled on March 18, 2026.
  • The north tower crane was dismantled in October 2025.
  • The Salt Lake Temple open house has been announced for April 5 through October 1, 2027.

The players

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The international headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is overseeing the renovation of Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

Sam Andreakos

A glass chemist with Bullseye Glass Co., who was featured in a video about the process of creating the art-glass windows for the temple.

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What they’re saying

“They may not understand everything that went into producing the work, but that doesn't matter. What matters is it will speak to them and it will give them joy.”

— Sam Andreakos, Glass Chemist

What’s next

The Salt Lake Temple open house will be held from April 5 through October 1, 2027, before the temple's rededication.

The takeaway

The removal of the tower cranes and scaffolding, along with the installation of the art-glass windows and Easter displays, signifies the steady progress of the Temple Square renovation project and the Church's continued focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ during this sacred season.